Power rail for electronic shelf label

The power rail design addresses the aesthetic and safety issues of existing power rails by integrating electrodes within a compact structure, enabling secure and contamination-free connections for electronic shelves, while supporting various tag sizes and reducing costs.

WO2025058390A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-20SOLUM CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/013782
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-18
Filing Date
2024-09-11
Publication Date
2025-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power rails for electronic shelves have exposed electrodes that compromise aesthetics and are prone to contamination, with complex manufacturing processes and safety concerns due to exposed connections.

Method used

A power rail design that integrates multiple electrodes for power and communication within a compact, aesthetically pleasing structure, allowing for the installation of electronic labels and sensors without batteries, with a controller and battery positioned intermediate and tags of varying sizes securely fastened.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a cost-effective, aesthetically improved power rail that ensures secure and contamination-free electrode connections, supports various tag sizes, and enhances safety by concealing electronic components.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An embodiment may provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label, the power rail comprising: a rail main body unit having first and second receiving grooves formed therein so that an electronic display device is fastened to a front surface thereof and a shelf fastening unit is fastened to a rear surface thereof; an additional device installed in the first receiving groove; and an electrode unit installed in the second receiving groove, wherein the electrode unit has a plurality of first electrodes mounted thereon, in which a partial area of each first electrode is exposed to the outside, and the electrode unit surrounds a partial area of the electronic display device, and a plurality of second electrodes provided in the partial area are electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes.
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Description

Power rail for electronic shelf labels

[0001] The present invention relates to a power rail for electronic shelf labels.

[0002] The Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system uses ESL tags to link with point-of-sale (POS) devices to provide product pricing information, as well as display various promotional information such as unit price, sale price, regular price, product display location, point information, and display quantity, thereby assisting with product purchasing and store operations. These ESLs are installed on power rails and can receive power and connect to data communication links, either wired or wireless, from the power rail.

[0003] The power rail according to the prior art has problems such as the electrodes being placed on the front, which is not aesthetically pleasing, and the electrodes being exposed on the exterior, which is unsafe. In addition, the prior art has problems such as the electrodes being placed on the back, which requires through-holes for tag electrode connection, which complicates the manufacturing process and reduces the aesthetics of the final product. In particular, the through-holes are exposed in areas of the power rail where the ESL is not located, which raises concerns about electrode contamination and deterioration of the aesthetics. In addition, the open back structure prevents double-sided tape from being attached to a flat surface, which is unsafe due to device exposure. In addition, the straight electrode structure causes the device size to become excessively large when multiple electrodes are configured.

[0004] The present invention provides a power rail for an electronic shelf label having a compact size and simple appearance and capable of installing a battery-less electronic label and sensor.

[0005] In addition, the present invention provides a power rail for an electronic shelf label having a structure capable of arranging a plurality of electrodes for power and communication.

[0006] In addition, the present invention provides a power rail for an electronic shelf label that enables storage of devices such as a controller and a battery in an intermediate position.

[0007] In addition, the present invention provides a power rail for electronic shelf labels, which allows installation of small-sized tags on the front and medium- to large-sized tags on the bottom.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides a power rail for an electronic shelf label that can be installed on a shelf or the like.

[0009] The embodiment includes a rail body part having first and second storage grooves formed therein, an electronic display fastened to a front surface and a shelf fastening part fastened to a rear surface; an additional device installed in the first storage groove; and an electrode part installed in the second storage groove; wherein at least one first electrode having a portion of an area exposed to the outside is mounted on the electrode part, and the electrode part surrounds a portion of the electronic display, and at least one second electrode provided in the portion of the area and the first electrode are electrically connected to each other, and a power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided.

[0010] In another aspect, the power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided, wherein the rail body part is composed of a front surface facing the rear surface of the electronic display, a rear surface facing the shelf, and an upper surface and a lower surface forming the first storage groove together with the front surface and the rear surface, and the rail body part further includes first and second extension parts extending downward from the lower surface and forming the second storage groove.

[0011] In another aspect, the electrode portion is positioned to surround the lower surface of the rail body portion and the inner surface of the first and second extension portions, and a part of the electronic indicator is inserted into the space between the first and second extension portions, so that the electronic indicator and the electrode portion can be electrically connected to provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label.

[0012] In another aspect, the power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided, wherein the rail body portion further includes a first horizontal protrusion formed by vertically protruding from the first extension portion and a second horizontal protrusion formed by vertically protruding from the second extension portion, and both ends of each of the first and second horizontal protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a first vertical distance, and the second vertical distance of the first and second extension portions is formed longer than the first vertical distance to form the second storage groove.

[0013] In another aspect, a power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided in which at least a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of fastening grooves are formed on the rail body for male-female connection with the electronic indicator and the shelf fastening part.

[0014] In another aspect, the accessory may provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label, including a controller for controlling the electronic indicator and a battery for supplying power to the electronic indicator.

[0015] In another aspect, the first electrode may include a ground electrode, a power supply electrode, and an electrode for data transmission, and the electrode portion may provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that is electrically connected to the auxiliary device.

[0016] In another aspect, the power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided in which the electrode portion is installed along the longitudinal direction of the rail body portion so that the electrical connection between the first and second electrodes is maintained when the electronic indicator moves left and right on the rail body portion, and the first electrode is mounted on the electrode portion along the longitudinal direction of the rail body portion.

[0017] In another aspect, the electrode part can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label with the first electrode mounted on the inside in a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0018] In another aspect, the electrode part includes an electrode receiving bar on which the first electrode is mounted, the electrode receiving bar has first and second cut grooves formed therein, and a power rail for an electronic shelf label can be provided in which a part of the electrode receiving bar is bent around the first and second cut grooves and installed in the second receiving groove.

[0019] In another aspect, the first electrode includes 1-1 to 1-5 electrodes, the 1-1 and 1-2 electrodes are mounted between one side of the electrode receiving bar and the first cut groove, the 1-3 and 1-4 electrodes are mounted between the other side of the electrode receiving bar and the second cut groove, the 1-5 electrode is mounted between the first and second cut grooves, and the electrode receiving bar is mounted in the second receiving groove so that the 1-1 electrode and the 1-3 electrode face each other, the 1-2 electrode and the 1-4 electrode face each other, and the 1-5 electrode is positioned between the 1-1 and 1-2 electrodes and the 1-3 and 1-4 electrodes.

[0020] In another aspect, the electrode portion may provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label configured to be bent at at least one point.

[0021] In another aspect, the electrode section can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label formed into a 'ㄷ' shape as a result of the bending.

[0022] In another aspect, the electrode part can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label having the first electrode mounted on the inside in a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0023] In another aspect, the electrode part can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label including a plurality of electrode receiving bars installed in the second storage groove and forming a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0024] The embodiment can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that can reduce cost by reducing the rail size and number of parts by applying a foldable 'ㄷ' shaped electrode structure.

[0025] In addition, the embodiment can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that is aesthetically pleasing and safe because the electrodes are placed on the bottom and there are no through holes on the front, and the electrodes are not exposed.

[0026] In addition, the embodiment can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that can install a small display / sensor / solar tag (DISPLAY / SENSOR / SOLAR TAG) on the front upper and lower fastening structures.

[0027] Additionally, the embodiment can provide a power rail for electronic shelf labels that can install medium to large-sized tags using ADT-V / ADT-H for installation in the lower front and rear fastening structures.

[0028] Additionally, the embodiment may provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label having a space in the middle of the rail to allow installation of additional devices such as a controller and a battery.

[0029] Additionally, the embodiment can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that has a blocked back side and can be attached and fixed to a flat surface with double-sided tape.

[0030] In addition, the embodiment can provide a power rail for an electronic shelf label that can be installed on a non-flat surface by assembling an installation adapter (ADAPTOR) to the upper and lower fastening structures on the back.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a power rail and electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label installed on a shelf in a store selling various items.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary shelf and a power rail for an electronic shelf label installed on the shelf, and an electronic indicator fastened to the power rail for the electronic shelf label.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded view of some of the components that constitute a power rail for an electronic shelf label installed on a shelf.

[0034] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the process of fastening some components constituting a power rail for an electronic shelf label and fastening an electronic indicator to a power rail for an electronic shelf label.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a part of the rail body, and Figure 8 is a side view of the rail body.

[0036] Figure 9a illustrates the forming process of the electrode part.

[0037] Figure 9b illustrates a molding process of an electrode part according to various embodiments.

[0038] Figure 9c illustrates a molding process of an electrode part according to various embodiments.

[0039] Figure 10 illustrates a part of the electrode section.

[0040] Figure 11 illustrates a portion of the electrode part being inserted into the second storage groove of the rail body part.

[0041] Figure 12 illustrates a state in which the power rail, shelf fastener, and electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label are separated from each other.

[0042] Figure 13 illustrates a state in which a power rail, a shelf fastener, and an electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label are fastened to each other.

[0043] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate various devices installed on a power rail according to various embodiments.

[0044] Fig. 16 is a side view of a rail body according to various embodiments.

[0045] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms. In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Furthermore, the singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature or component described in the specification, and do not preemptively exclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added. Furthermore, in the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a power rail and an electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label installed on a shelf in a type of store selling various items, and FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of an exemplary shelf, a power rail for an electronic shelf label installed on the shelf, and an electronic indicator connected to the power rail for the electronic shelf label.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a store (1) selling various items includes a plurality of shelves (90) for displaying the items. The various items may be of various types, such as daily necessities, car supplies, and food products, and are not limited to specific products. Furthermore, the store (1) is merely an example of a location where shelves (90) for displaying items can be positioned, and any location for displaying various items may be used.

[0049] Within a store (1), at least one shelf (90) is positioned, and a power rail (10) for an electronic shelf label is installed on the shelf (90). Furthermore, an electronic indicator (30) may be fastened to the power rail (10) for the electronic shelf label. The electronic indicator (70) is an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), which is an information display device installed on a store display stand. For example, the electronic indicator (70) may display various types of information that are automatically updated via a communication network. The electronic indicator (70) is not limited to the illustrated form, and may vary greatly in size and overall shape, and the information displayed may also vary greatly.

[0050] Power rails (10) for electronic shelf labels can be installed in multiple units for each section of goods on one shelf (90), and at least one electronic indicator (70) can be installed in a detachable form on the power rails (10) for electronic shelf labels.

[0051] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of some of the components that constitute a power rail for an electronic shelf label installed on a shelf, and Figs. 4 to 6 illustrate the process of fastening some of the components that constitute a power rail for an electronic shelf label and fastening an electronic indicator to the power rail for an electronic shelf label. In addition, Fig. 7 illustrates a portion of a rail body, and Fig. 8 is a side view of the rail body.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, a power rail (10) for an electronic shelf label may include a rail body (100), an accessory (300), and an end cap (500). The rear side of the rail body (100) may be formed in a structure that can be fastened to a shelf (90), and the front side may be formed in a structure that can be fastened to an electronic display (70). The rail body (100) may be formed in a length corresponding to the horizontal length of the shelf (90), but is not limited thereto. A hollow hole is formed on the inside of the rail body (100). That is, first and second storage grooves (101, 102) are formed on the inside of the rail body (100) along the longitudinal direction of the rail body (100), and an accessory (300) may be inserted into the first storage groove (101). The accessory (300) may include a controller and a battery. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to communicate with an external device. In various embodiments, the left and right sides of the rail body (100) may be open to each other, so that the first and second storage grooves (101, 102) may become a single hollow hole.

[0053] An electronic indicator (70) is fastened to the front of the rail body (100), and a portion of the electronic indicator (70) can be inserted into the second storage groove (102). An end cap (500) can be installed on one side of the rail body (100). The end cap (500) can cover the first and second storage grooves (101, 102) and finish the end of the rail body (100). The end cap (500) can be installed at each of the two ends of the rail body (100), but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The rail body (100) may be defined with a front surface (110) corresponding to the back surface of the electronic display (70), a rear surface (120) corresponding to the shelf (90), an upper surface (130), and a lower surface (140). In addition, a first storage groove (101) may be formed on the inside of the rail body (100) surrounded by the front surface (110), the rear surface (120), the upper surface (130), and the lower surface (140).

[0055] A first fastening groove (121) may be formed at a predetermined depth in the downward direction at a corner corresponding to a point where the rear surface (120) and the upper surface (130) meet among the corner areas of the rail body (100). In addition, a second fastening groove (122) may be formed at a predetermined depth in the upward direction at a corner corresponding to a point where the rear surface (120) and the lower surface (140) meet among the corner areas of the rail body (100).

[0056] Among the corner areas of the rail body (100), a shelf fastening protrusion (131) may be formed in an outward direction of the rail body (100) perpendicular to the front surface (110) at a corner corresponding to a point where the front surface (110) and the upper surface (130) meet each other. The upper surface of the shelf fastening protrusion (131) may be flush with the upper surface (130) of the rail body (100). A vertical protrusion (132) may be formed downward at a point on the lower side of the shelf fastening protrusion (131). A third fastening groove (133) of a predetermined depth may be formed upward at a point where the shelf fastening protrusion (131) and the front surface (110) meet each other by the vertical protrusion (132).

[0057] On the lower surface (140) of the rail body (100), first and second extension portions (150, 160) extending downward from a region of the lower surface (140) may be formed. That is, the first and second extension portions (150, 160) may be formed to extend perpendicularly to the lower surface (140) from an edge region of the lower surface (140) to a predetermined length.

[0058] The front of the first extension (150) may constitute a part of the front (110) of the rail body (100), and the rear of the second extension (160) may constitute a part of the rear (120) of the rail body (100). In various embodiments, the rear of the second extension (160) and the rear (120) of the rail body (100) may form the same plane.

[0059] The end of the first extension (150) may be formed with a first horizontal protrusion (151) that protrudes toward the second extension (160) by a predetermined length, and the end of the second extension (160) may be formed with a second horizontal protrusion (161) that protrudes toward the first extension (150) by a predetermined length. The first horizontal protrusion (151) may extend from the first extension (150) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first extension (150), and the second horizontal protrusion (161) may extend from the second extension (160) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second extension (160). In addition, the ends of the first and second horizontal protrusions (151, 161) may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance. And, the vertical distance between the first extension (150) and the second extension (160) may be spaced apart by a second distance that is longer than the first distance. And, a second storage groove (102) may be formed inside by the first extension (150), the second extension (160) and the first and second horizontal protrusions (151, 161). The second storage groove (102) may be positioned below the first storage groove (101).

[0060] A fourth fastening groove (152) may be formed at the front end of the first extension (150) toward the second extension (160) at a predetermined depth. In addition, a fifth fastening groove (162) may be formed at the rear end of the second extension (160) toward the first extension (150) at a predetermined depth. In addition, a fourth fastening groove (152) may be formed at a boundary point where the first extension (150) and the first horizontal protrusion (151) meet, and a fifth fastening groove (162) may be formed at a boundary point where the second extension (160) and the second horizontal protrusion (161) meet.

[0061] FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate a molding process of an electrode part according to various embodiments, FIG. 10 illustrates a part of an electrode part, and FIG. 11 illustrates a part of an electrode part inserted into a second storage groove of a rail body part.

[0062] The electrode part constituting the power rail (10) for the electronic shelf label is composed of a main body and a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other on the inside of the main body, and the plurality of electrodes can be housed in the main body while the outside can be exposed to the outside. The electrode part can be configured in a form in which at least one electrode is mounted on the inside in a 'ㄷ' shape. Here, the 'ㄷ' shape can vary depending on the viewing direction such as the top, bottom, left, right, etc. For example, the electrode part can be in a 'ㄷ' shape when viewed from the bottom of Fig. 9a. In addition, the electrode part can be configured to be bendable at at least one point. For example, a groove having a predetermined depth can be formed in the inside at at least one point of the electrode part. Here, the at least one point can be a first point or first and second points. When the electrode part has grooves of a predetermined depth at the first and second points, first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other may be installed from one side of the electrode part to the first point, a third electrode may be installed between the first and second points, and fourth and fifth electrodes spaced apart from each other may be installed between the second point and the other side of the electrode part. The electrode part may be bent in a direction where one side and the other side of the electrode part meet with the first and second points as the center. In addition, the first and second electrodes and the fourth and fifth electrodes of the electrode part face each other, and the third electrode may be positioned between them. In detail, referring to FIGS. 8, 9A, 10, and 11, the electrode part (200) may be composed of an electrode receiving bar (210) and a plurality of electrodes (220). The plurality of electrodes (220) may be, but are not limited to, a ground electrode, positive and negative electrodes for power supply, electrodes for data transmission, etc. The electrode unit (200) is electrically connected to the auxiliary device (300). The electrode receiving bar (210) may be configured in the shape of a flat plate of a predetermined length corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the rail body unit (100) and may be configured of a material that can be bent by an external force.The upper surface and side surface of the electrode receiving bar (210) have a shape corresponding to the lower surface (140) of the rail body part (100) of FIG. 8, the inner surface of the first and second extension parts (150, 160), and the upper surface of the first and second horizontal protrusion parts (151, 161), so that when the electrode part (200) is inserted into the second receiving groove (102) of the rail body part (100), the upper surface and side surface of the electrode receiving bar (210) can be configured to be in close contact with the lower surface (140) of the rail body part (100), the inner surface of the first and second extension parts (150, 160), and the upper surface of the first and second horizontal protrusion parts (151, 161).

[0063] A plurality of electrodes (220) may be mounted on the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210). Each of the plurality of electrodes (220) may have a length corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the electrode receiving bar (210).

[0064] The plurality of electrodes (220) may be composed of first to fifth electrodes (221, 222, 223, 224, 225). The first and second electrodes (221, 222) may be mounted at a predetermined distance from each other on one side of the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210). In addition, the second and third electrodes (223, 224) may be mounted at a predetermined distance from each other on the other side of the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210). In addition, the fifth electrode (225) may be mounted in a central region of the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210).

[0065] The outer surfaces of the plurality of electrodes (220) may be exposed to the outside. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 9a(a), the lower surfaces of the plurality of electrodes (220) are exposed to the outside. In addition, the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210) and the lower surfaces of the plurality of electrodes (220) may form the same plane.

[0066] A plurality of cut grooves (230) spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance may be formed on the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210). A first cut groove (231) cut to a predetermined depth toward the upper surface of the electrode receiving bar (210) may be formed between the second and fifth electrodes (222, 225) on the lower surface of the electrode receiving bar (210), and a second cut groove (232) cut to a predetermined depth toward the upper surface of the electrode receiving bar (210) may be formed between the fourth and fifth electrodes (224, 225).

[0067] In the electrode receiving bar (210) in the state of Fig. 9a(a), the electrode receiving bar (210) can be bent around the first and second cut grooves (231, 232) as in Fig. 9a(b) by an external force applied to the left and right sides of the electrode receiving bar (210), and finally, the electrode portion (200) can be formed into a 'ㄷ' shape as in Fig. 9a(c). As illustrated in Fig. 9a(c), the first and third electrodes (221, 223) face each other, and the second and fourth electrodes (222, 224) face each other, so that the fifth electrode (225) is positioned above the first to fourth electrodes (221, 222, 223, 224). In addition, the electrode portion (200) forms a fastening receiving groove (201).

[0068] When the electrode part (200) is stored in the second receiving groove (102) of the rail body part (100), the first and second horizontal protrusions (151, 161) serve as a kind of jaw to fix the electrode part (200) in the second receiving groove (102), so that the electrode part (200) can be fixed to the rail body part (100) without being detached from the second receiving groove (102).

[0069] In addition, as the electrode part (200) is inserted into the second storage groove (102), a portion of the space in the second storage groove (102) is filled by the electrode part (200), and the fastening storage groove (201) becomes a portion of the space in the second storage groove (102).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 9b, in various embodiments, the electrode receiving bar (210) may be composed of first and second electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b). The first and second electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b) may be physically separated from each other. A first cut groove (231) may be formed in the first electrode receiving bar (210a). In the first electrode receiving bar (210a), first and second electrodes (221, 222) may be mounted between one side of the first electrode receiving bar (210a) and the first cut groove (231) based on the first cut groove (231), and a fifth electrode (225) may be mounted between the other side of the first electrode receiving bar (210a) and the first cut groove (231). And, the second and third electrodes (223, 224) can be mounted on the second electrode receiving bar (210b). In the first electrode receiving bar (210a) in the state of Fig. 9b(a), the first electrode receiving bar (210a) can be bent around the first cut groove (231) by an external force applied to the left and right sides of the first electrode receiving bar (210a), and finally, the first electrode receiving bar (210a) can be formed into an 'ㄴ' shape as in Fig. 9b(b), and the electrode bar (200) can have an overall 'ㄷ' shape by the first and second electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b). That is, the electrode bar (200) can have an overall 'ㄷ' shape when inserted into the second receiving groove (102, see Fig. 7). In this case, as described in the embodiment of Fig. 9a, the first and third electrodes (221, 223) face each other, and the second and fourth electrodes (222, 224) face each other, so that the fifth electrode (225) is positioned above the first to fourth electrodes (221, 222, 223, 224). In addition, the electrode portion (200) forms a fastening receiving groove (201).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 9c, in various embodiments, the electrode receiving bar (210) may be composed of first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c). The first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c) may be physically separated from each other. The first and second electrodes (221, 222) may be mounted on the first electrode receiving bar (210a), and the fifth electrode (225) may be mounted on the second electrode receiving bar (210b). In addition, the second and third electrodes (223, 224) may be mounted on the third electrode receiving bar (210c). When the electrode bar (200) is inserted into the second receiving groove (102, see FIG. 7), the first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c) may have an overall 'ㄷ' shape. In this case, as described in the embodiment of FIG. 9a, the first and third electrodes (221, 223) face each other, and the second and fourth electrodes (222, 224) face each other, so that the fifth electrode (225) is positioned above the first to fourth electrodes (221, 222, 223, 224). In addition, the electrode portion (200) forms a fastening receiving groove (201).

[0072] In various embodiments, the electrode bar (200) may have a shape that includes at least one straight line and at least one bend, such as an 'ㄴ' or 'ㄹ' shape, as well as an overall 'ㄷ' shape.

[0073] Figure 12 illustrates a state in which the power rail, shelf fastening unit, and electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label are separated from each other, and Figure 13 illustrates a state in which the power rail, shelf fastening unit, and electronic indicator for an electronic shelf label are connected to each other.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13, the shelf fastening part (91) can be fastened to a power rail (10) for an electronic shelf label. The shelf fastening part (91) can be a part of the shelf (90) of FIG. 2, and can be configured to be installed on the shelf (90) independently of the shelf (90).

[0075] The front side of the shelf fastening part (91) may have a shape corresponding to the rear side (120) of the rail body part (100). Specifically, the front side of the shelf fastening part (91) and the rear side (120) of the rail body part (100) may be fastened to each other in a male-female relationship. In order for the shelf fastening part (91) to be fastened to the first fastening groove (121), the second fastening groove (122), and the fifth fastening groove (162) formed in the rail body part (100), a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves may be formed on the front side of the shelf fastening part (91). When the power rail (10) for the electronic shelf label is fastened to the shelf fastening part (91), the rear surface (120) of the rail body (100), the corner point where the upper surface and the rear surface (120) meet, the rear surface and the end of the second extension part (160) are in close contact with the shelf fastening part (91), so that the rail body (100) can be fixedly fastened to the shelf fastening part (91).

[0076] The electronic display (70) may be composed of a display device (710) and a stand (720). The stand (720) may be composed of a stand main body (721), a stand horizontal extension (722), and a stand vertical extension (723). The front of the stand main body (721) may be connected to the rear surface of the display device (710). The stand horizontal extension (722) may be formed to extend vertically outward from one edge region of the rear surface of the stand main body (721) to a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the stand main body (721). The stand vertical extension (723) may be formed to extend upward from an end of the upper surface of the stand horizontal extension (722) to a predetermined length.

[0077] A groove may be formed on the upper surface of the mounting body (721), and a protrusion may be formed near the point where the upper surface of the mounting body (721) and the horizontal extension (722) of the mounting body meet each other. A vertical protrusion (132) formed on the rail body (100) may be inserted into the groove of the mounting body (721), and the protrusion of the mounting body (721) may be inserted into the fourth fastening groove (152), thereby fastening the mounting body (720) to the rail body (100), and the rear surface of the mounting body (721) may be in contact with the front surface (110) of the rail body (100).

[0078] When the electronic display (70) and the power rail (10) for the electronic shelf label are fastened to each other, the first extension (150) of the rail body (100) and a part of the electrode portion (200) are inserted into the space between the mounting body (721) and the mounting body vertical extension (723), and the mounting body vertical extension (723) can be inserted into the fastening receiving groove (201) of the electrode portion (200). A plurality of electrodes are mounted on the mounting body vertical extension (723), and the outer surfaces of the plurality of electrodes are exposed, so that the outer surfaces of the plurality of electrodes and the outer surface of the mounting body vertical extension (723) can form the same plane. In a state where the mounting body vertical extension (723) is inserted into the fastening receiving groove (201) of the electrode portion (200), the plurality of electrodes (220) of the electrode portion (200) and the plurality of electrodes mounted on the mounting body vertical extension (723) can be connected to each other. The plurality of electrodes provided in the vertical extension portion (723) of the mounting portion may be composed of a total of five electrodes physically spaced apart from each other, and each of these may be electrically connected to the first to fifth electrodes (221, 222, 223, 224, 225) of the electrode portion (200).

[0079] The electronic indicator (70) can be attached to any position on the front of the rail body (100). The electronic indicator (70) can move left and right along the longitudinal direction of the rail body (100). In addition, since a plurality of electrodes (220) are mounted on the electrode unit (200) and are elongated along the longitudinal direction of the rail body (100), the electronic indicator (70) can be electrically connected to the electrode unit (200) at any position on the rail body (100).

[0080] The electronic indicator (70) is electrically connected to the electrode unit (200) and can be driven by receiving power from the battery of the auxiliary device (300), and can display information and update the displayed information under the control of the controller.

[0081] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate various devices installed on a power rail according to various embodiments. The mounting body (721) of the electronic indicator (70) is not limited to that illustrated, and may be configured in various forms depending on the type of the electronic indicator (70). For example, various devices may be installed, including ESLs as tags of various sizes, Cam tags, and solar tags. In addition, the display device (710) of the electronic indicator (70) may have various sizes. In addition, the electronic indicator (70) may be provided with various additional devices. For example, a camera device and a driving device for changing the shooting angle of the camera may be provided. In various embodiments, a connector may be installed in the rail body (100), and the electronic indicator (70) may be connected to the rail body (100) through the connector, and various items may be connected to the connector.

[0082] Fig. 16 is a side view of a rail body according to various embodiments.

[0083] In explaining the rail body part (100) according to various embodiments of FIG. 16, the same drawing numbers are given to each element having functions and effects common to those of the elements constituting the rail body part (100) according to the embodiment of FIG. 8, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0084] A plurality of split electrode receiving grooves (170) can be formed within the second receiving groove (102) formed by the first and second extension parts (150, 160).

[0085] An inner protrusion (180) protruding into the second storage groove (102) may be formed on the inner side of the first and second extension portions (150, 160). The inner protrusion (180) may be divided into first and second inner protrusions (181, 182). The first inner protrusion (181) may be formed on the first extension portion (150), and the second inner protrusion (182) may be formed on the second extension portion (160).

[0086] A first split electrode receiving groove (171) can be formed by the lower surface (140) of the rail body (100) and the first and second inner protrusions (181, 182), a second split electrode receiving groove (172) can be formed by the inner surface of the first extension (150), the first inner protrusion (181), and the first horizontal protrusion (151), and a third split electrode receiving groove (173) can be formed by the inner surface of the second extension (160), the second inner protrusion (182), and the second horizontal protrusion (161).

[0087] The first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c) described in Fig. 9c may be mounted in each of the first to third segmented electrode receiving grooves (171, 172, 173). At least a portion of the outer surface of the first electrode receiving bar (210a) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first segmented electrode receiving groove (171), at least a portion of the outer surface of the second electrode receiving bar (210b) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second segmented electrode receiving groove (172), and at least a portion of the outer surface of the third electrode receiving bar (210c) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the third segmented electrode receiving groove (173). Each of the first to third split electrode receiving grooves (171, 172, 173) can accommodate the first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c) in close contact with the first to third split electrode receiving grooves (171, 172, 173). In addition, a protrusion extending a predetermined length toward the first horizontal protrusion (151) may be formed at the end of the first inner protrusion (181), a protrusion extending a predetermined length toward the second horizontal protrusion (161) may be formed at the end of the second inner protrusion (182), a protrusion extending a predetermined length toward the first horizontal protrusion (151) may be formed at the end of the first inner protrusion (181), and a protrusion extending a predetermined length toward the second horizontal protrusion (161) may be formed at the end of the second inner protrusion (182). Accordingly, the first to third electrode receiving bars (210a, 210b, 210c) can be stably fixedly connected to the first to third segmented electrode receiving grooves (171, 172, 173), respectively. The embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer components and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination.The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be known and usable by those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. Hardware devices may be changed into one or more software modules to perform processing according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0088] The specific implementations described in the present invention are exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the lines connecting or connecting members between components illustrated in the drawings are merely representative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, unless specifically mentioned as “essential,” “important,” etc., a component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0089] Although the detailed description of the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or having ordinary knowledge in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0090] The present invention has industrial applicability in that it provides a power rail for an electronic shelf label that can reduce costs by having a storage groove that prevents the battery from being exposed to the outside and a separate additional storage groove that stores an electrode part connected to the battery, and by applying a foldable 'ㄷ' shaped electrode structure, the rail size and number of parts can be reduced.

Claims

1. A rail body part in which first and second storage grooves are formed, an electronic display is attached to the front, and a shelf attachment part is attached to the rear; An additional device installed in the first storage home; and Including an electrode part installed in the second storage groove; At least one first electrode having a portion of the electrode portion exposed to the outside is mounted on the electrode portion. The electrode portion surrounds a portion of the electronic display, and at least one second electrode provided in the portion of the electronic display is electrically connected to the first electrode. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rail body part is composed of a front surface facing the rear surface of the electronic display, a rear surface facing the shelf, and an upper surface and a lower surface forming the first storage groove together with the front surface and the rear surface. The above rail body part further includes first and second extension parts extending downward from the lower surface and forming the second storage groove. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

3. In paragraph 2, The above electrode portion is positioned to surround the lower surface of the rail body portion and the inner surface of the first and second extension portions, A portion of the electronic indicator is inserted into the space between the first and second extension portions, and the electronic indicator and the electrode portion are electrically connected. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

4. In paragraph 3, The above rail body part further includes a first horizontal protrusion formed by vertically protruding from the first extension part and a second horizontal protrusion formed by vertically protruding from the second extension part, The two ends of each of the first and second horizontal protrusions are spaced apart by a first vertical distance, and the second vertical distance of the first and second extensions is formed longer than the first vertical distance to form the second storage groove. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

5. In paragraph 2, The above rail body part has at least a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of fastening grooves formed for male and female connection with the electronic indicator and the shelf fastening part. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

6. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned accessory device includes a controller for controlling the electronic indicator and a battery for supplying power to the electronic indicator. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

7. In paragraph 1, The first electrode includes at least one of a ground electrode, a power supply electrode, and an electrode for data transmission, The above electrode part is electrically connected to the above auxiliary device. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

8. In paragraph 7, In order to maintain the electrical connection between the first and second electrodes when the electronic indicator moves left and right on the rail body, the electrode part is installed along the longitudinal direction of the rail body, and the first electrode is mounted on the electrode part along the longitudinal direction of the rail body. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

9. In paragraph 1, The above electrode portion is configured to be bent at at least one point. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

10. In paragraph 9, The above electrode part is formed into a 'ㄷ' shape as a result of the above bending. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

11. In paragraph 1, The above electrode part is shaped like the letter ‘ㄷ’ and the first electrode is mounted on the inside. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

12. In paragraph 1, The above electrode part includes a plurality of electrode receiving bars that are installed in the second storage groove and form a ‘ㄷ’ shape. Power rail for electronic shelf labels.

Citation Information

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